Dream of Me/Believe in Me

happened yet one thing had not. Krysta had not bled since shortly after coming to Hawkforte.
    A shock went through her. She paused in the midst of counting cloth and thought deeply. With all the tumult of events, she could not fault herself for failing to notice, yet was she startled nonetheless. Her courses had always been so regular. But mayhap it was not odd after all for there had been such tumult. If only she knew more about these things, had someone she could talk with about such matters.
    She thought of Aelfgyth for a moment but decided not. Perhaps women were accustomed to discussing suchthings among themselves but she had never had such a luxury. Besides, nature would likely correct the oversight soon enough. It was not as though she was …
    She could not be,
could she?
Swiftly she counted and almost laughed at herself. She would have had to conceive when she and Hawk first lay together. Even she, ignorant though she was, knew the unlikelihood of that.
    Unlikely but not impossible. There was a chance, however slim. She really could be …
    “My lady, is something wrong?”
    Krysta looked up, startled to find Aelfgyth studying her with concern. Swiftly, she said, “No, nothing at all. Everything is fine. Shall we go on to the dairy? I'd like to take a look at the cheese stores.”
    In truth, she had no interest at all in cheese or anything else just then save for the incredible, amazing possibility that had occurred to her. Could it truly be that she was with child? The very idea made her want to hug herself, jump up and down for joy, seek out Hawk, smother him with kisses, tease him about his impending fatherhood, and do all manner of other silly, wonderful things. But she restrained herself, for the idea was still so new and fragile that she feared her joy would vanish if examined too closely. Yet she was a happy woman as she lingered in the aging room beside the dairy, smiling broadly over each fragrant golden round until Aelfgyth could hardly be faulted for believing that her mistress was extraordinarily fond of cheese.
    Krysta's good humor lasted past midday and no doubt could have gone on long after that had she not encountered Daria. Her sister-in-law was emerging from the chapel when their paths crossed. Aelfgyth had gone off to help her mother sew her bridal gown and Krysta was alone. She stiffened at the sight of Daria but the older woman merely blinked at her, as though her eyes werehaving difficulty adjusting to the brilliance of the day. She appeared disinclined to speak, but Krysta, cherishing her tentative hope and mindful of all her blessings, did not think it right to let her husband's half-sister pass without the courtesy of speech.
    “Good day, my lady. I trust you are well?”
    Daria blinked again and for a moment it seemed she would not respond, but suddenly her face transformed and she smiled with what could almost be thought of as warmth. So unexpected was that, and so oddly unnerving, that Krysta had no notion what to make of it. She had little chance to ponder the matter, for Daria said swiftly, “Oh, I am very well, my dear. Indeed, I cannot remember the last time I felt so at peace and unburdened. But I will confess to just a little worry. I do hope the responsibility of Hawkforte will not weigh too heavily on your young shoulders. If I can do anything to help, anything at all, you will tell me, won't you? For such time as I am still here, I would be happy to assist you however I can.”
    So great was this seeming transformation, so unexpected this generosity, that Krysta was at a loss as to how to respond. Finally, she said, “Thank you … I appreciate this greatly. But forgive me, what do you mean ‘while you are still here’?”
    Daria smiled again and dropped her voice a notch, confidingly. “I haven't spoken to Hawk about this yet but it is in my mind to seek the joyful serenity of holy vows. Long have I felt drawn to the cloister but I could not leave off my duties here. Now that you and Hawk are wed, it is finally possible for me to follow my heart.”
    She sounded so sincere that Krysta did not think to doubt her. Here then must be the explanation for Daria's sour temperament—a thwarted calling to the convent. How sad that she had postponed her yearning for so long, but how fortunate that she could leave Hawkforte happily.
    And what a change that knowledge had brought to her. Why, she was being positively pleasant.
    “It is most kind of you to offer your